The following is a letter to the editor that was sent to the Kalamazoo Gazette.

JENNY ROGERS/Climax

I urge Gov. Rick Snyder to accept the millions of dollars in federal funding being offered to Michigan to increase access to health coverage through Medicaid. Hard-working, low-income families need the security of knowing they have quality health coverage that allows them to see a doctor regularly and get life-saving care when they need it, without facing huge medical bills.

A recent poll showed that Michigan voters are decidedly in favor of the state accepting the federal funds available to expand access to health coverage through Medicaid. A strong majority, 63 percent, said they support Michigan accepting the federal dollars to cover more people, while only 23 percent said the state should turn down the funds.

Gov. Snyder should listen to Michigan voters and accept the money to increase access to the state Medicaid program and extend lifesaving health coverage to more than 345,000 low-income individuals and families.